Author Archives: Ben

Older property roofing issues explained

Roof Repairs

It is a fact that over time many older properties will develop issues with the roof. This is a common issue as roofing materials deteriorate due to the elements so if you own an older property or are considering buying one it is important to check that the roof is in good repair. If roofs are left to deteriorate it can result in costly repairs being needed so it is important to repair and damage or wear as quickly as possible. This may mean replacing broken tiles and repairing damaged or missing flashing from under the tiles.

Examining a roof on a property can be difficult without specialist equipment and it may be necessary to ask a neighbour whether you could view the roof from their garden so that you can get a clearer view. Pay particular attention to the ridge and hip tiles as the cement that holds them in place deteriorates over time, but it is usually quite easy to see if these tiles are missing.

As well as examining the outside of the roof it is important to look at the underside of the roof in the loft for any signs of wear or evidence of water ingress. Hopefully, any problems can be addressed before further damage to walls and ceilings of the rooms occur.

First steps to home construction projects

Construction

As interest rates are on the rise, many people are deciding instead of moving house to stay in their current property and try to improve it by extending or using the interior space more effectively. This can be a good idea as most improvements will result in increasing the value of the home and making it more saleable for the future.

The first consideration is to decide on a budget for the work as this will determine the size of the project. It is unwise to start a project without having some idea of the costs as you may find that you are unable to finish the project which can be frustrating.

Once the budget is established, the next thing to think about is which improvements will make the biggest impact to the property and to the life of the occupants. Increasing useable space is often a priority for a growing family and is a common desire for many families.

Some home improvements can be carried out by the homeowners and in this way the project costs can be greatly reduced. The internet has many useful tips on how to complete certain tasks and so it is certainly worth having a go.

Design ideas for flat roofs

Flat Roofing

There are some cases in building construction when having a flat rather than a pitched roof is better. For instance, if there is ducting on the roof that needs regular maintenance or rooflights that need cleaning being able to access the roof easily is an advantage.

Many companies choose a flat roof construction because it is a cheaper alternative to a pitched roof when it is constructed and has lower repair costs. Flat roofs assume less space and consequently use less material than sloped roofs. This makes initial construction cheaper but also means savings if any extensive repairs become necessary in the future.

In a domestic setting, some homeowners turn their flat roofs into rooftop gardens. Flat roofs are also ideal for roof deck construction allowing homeowners to make a sun terrace which with a rail fitted around for safety purposes may add value to a property.

Flat roofs are a fantastic way to reduce home energy costs, especially in warmer climates. Solar panels can be fitted more easily than on a sloped roof to provide hot water or electricity via an inverter.

Although the lifespan of a flat roof is shorter than a traditionally tiled sloped roof if constructed with a longer-lasting roofing material the flat roof can actually last longer.

Is there sufficient ventilation in your loft?

Construction

Many people do not even think about loft ventilation until there is an issue. It could be that they have gone into the loft to retrieve something stored away there and notice mould on surfaces or condensation on roof timbers, whatever it is, it is vitally important that action is taken to rectify the poor ventilation issues that are causing these problems as soon as possible.

Condensation in the loft will not only cause damage to anything stored up there but it can permeate the loft insulation reducing its effectiveness and if the loft insulation gets damp it is very difficult to get it to dry out. Left untreated it will usually cause damp patches to appear on the ceilings below. So, what is adequate loft ventilation and how can homeowners check that their loft has enough?

Before doing anything else it is a good idea to carry out an inspection of the air vents that are usually put in place when a building is constructed. There should be grilles in the soffit boards which allow air to circulate through the loft. If these are blocked by insulation or things that are being stored in the loft the flow of air will be interrupted and the ventilation will not be adequate. Simple unblocking these vents may be all that is needed to rectify the issue. If this is not possible it may be better to get a roofing expert to come in and fit new vents in the roof so that the ventilation in the loft in reinstated.

Solid roof solutions for conservatories

Roofing Solutions

Many homeowners wanting to improve their property opt for adding a conservatory as this gives extra space for a reasonable amount of money. When considering the design of the conservatory it is important to think carefully about the roof as this choice can influence whether the conservatory can be used all year round rather than just at certain times of the year when it is not too cold or too hot.

The most common roof type to be used on a conservatory is polycarbonate sheeting as this is the cheapest option. Some conservatory roofs are made from glass which is better in terms of insulation but still an issue in the summer months when blinds will be needed to keep the room cool. A growing number of house owners are choosing to have a solid roof on their conservatory. One of the options is to use a composite tile as the roofing material. These roofs are very strong and weatherproof and are guaranteed for forty years making them an excellent worry-free solution. For those concerned with the environmental impact of using manmade products these tiles are commonly recyclable and made using environmentally friendly resources. The benefits of having a solid roof on a conservatory have been evident in the growing popularity of this design element.

Are you adding value to your home?

Construction

When considering renovation or remodelling of your home one of the questions that you need to ask is whether the changes will add value to the home as some quite expensive improvements may not in fact increase the value. This may not be an issue if you are looking to stay in the property long term but if you are planning to move in the next five or ten years then this needs to be taken into account.

Adding extra space in the property such as building a conservatory or converting a loft space is probably the best way to add value but these changes are quite expensive to carry out so many people opt for updating kitchens and bathrooms as a way to improve the home but also make it more saleable. The danger with this is that buyers may not like the style of kitchen or bathroom that you do however a modern kitchen with appliances could be a good selling point for those who are stretching their budget to purchase the property.

Although decorating may be viewed as trivial when it comes to house valuation, a property that is looked after and regularly painted will be worth more and will certainly sell more quickly.

Buying second hand construction machinery

Construction

If you have a business within the construction industry, then you will be all too familiar with the cost of hiring and buying machinery. Construction machinery can cost thousands if not hundreds of thousands of pounds and although this is often an essential outlay there are ways in which you can save a bit of money.

It is worth shopping around to see if you can buy the machinery, you need second hand. This will often slash the price you will have to pay for the item. You do need to check if you have any warranty on it as if you are spending a lot of money, you do need some guarantees that it is not going to pack up in the near future. IT may eb that you buy an item of machinery knowing that it has a fault if you are able to repair it or know of someone that can.

Buying new will give you that piece of mind but that often comes at a price so you need to weight up what is best for you and your business at that time. It may be that you start off with second hand machinery until you have built the business up enough to justify buying new.

Finding a good roofing company

Roof Repairs

When looking for a roofing company you need to try and find one that is reliable and that know exactly what they are doing. You may be approached on your doorstep from time to time by someone who asks if you have any roofing work that needs doing. Sometimes these people work for a larger organisation and other times they are self-employed. IT is up to you to check that they have the experience necessary to carry out any roofing job you give them. Never agree and pay any money on the doorstep, always ask for a quote and then give yourself time to do some research before agreeing. If they are part of a company, you should be able to find a website for them or possibly social media profiles. These will often have reviews on. You could also ask on any of the social media local groups to see if anyone has used them before. If you are in doubt then it may be better to go to a company that you know have a good reputation. Sometimes people use someone that they have never heard of before and then after the work is done, if a problem develops, they have no way of getting back in touch with them to ask them to come and rectify it.

Can your roofing project wait?

Roof Repairs

IF you are considering having a new roof installed you may want to try and put it on hold until the spring / summer time. Not only can new roofs be expensive (which is the lats thing anyone wants in the run up to Christmas) but they can also be a bit of a nightmare to complete if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Roofing work may not be able to be completed if there is heave rain, wind or snow. This is more and more likely as we head in to winter and you may find that the roofing company are able to start your project but not finish it due to a change in the weather. This can be very disruptive and can make it hard to keep your home warm if part of the roof has been removed and replaces with plastic sheeting.

Waiting until spring or summer will often mean you are likely to run in to less problems, but having said that if you are ok with take a bit of a risk and understanding that it may take longer then you thought, then you can often secure yourself a great price as roofers are usually in need of work this time or year and so will offer you a special deal.

Can you put a window in a flat roof?

Flat Roofing

If you have a room with a flat roof and want to add more natural light in then you may opt for a skylight or rooflight. They are great if you don’t have space for vertical windows within your home and they are a stylish yet discreet feature. Many architects are including rooflights in their designs to give them a modern twist.

There are a number of benefits in installing a rooflight in your flat roof. When skylights first hit the market they were quite expensive but over time they have become increasingly more affordable and therefore more accessible to many.

Rooflights can also allow you to what the stars from the comfort of your room and are often a popular choice for bedrooms. You need not worry about having to have blinds as they are on the roof so cannot be looked in to.

Our bodies respond well to natural light, letting that into your home can give you a natural boost that you can’t quite appreciate without having one in your home. Natural light costs nothing and you won’t need to use your interior lights as much meaning you can save money on your electricity bills as well as getting a boost for your mood.